Decadent Sweet Potato Peach Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping
Delight in this sumptuous Sweet Potato and Peach Casserole that brings a unique twist to your holiday table. The creamy mash of sweet potatoes harmoniously blends with juicy peaches, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. Enhanced with just a splash of peach schnapps (or peach nectar for a non-alcoholic option), this casserole is imbued with a subtle fruitiness that elevates the dish to new heights. Topped with a crunchy pecan layer, this decadent side dish is perfect for family gatherings or any special occasion, ensuring your feast stands out with its vibrant flavors and textures.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked mashed sweet potatoes
3 lbs (or 5-6 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed)
peach slices
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and finely chopped)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted (or margarine))
peach schnapps
1/4 cup (or peach nectar as substitution)
orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed preferred)
orange zest
1 teaspoon (freshly grated)
dark brown sugar
1/3 cup (packed)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure preferred)
coarsely chopped pecans
1 cup (toasted for extra flavor)
butter
2 tablespoons (for topping)
dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (2 1/2 quarts) casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked mashed sweet potatoes (*or cook and mash 5-6 medium sweet potatoes*), finely chopped peach slices, melted butter (or margarine), peach schnapps (or peach nectar), orange juice, orange zest, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3
Transfer the sweet potato-peach mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
4
For the topping, melt butter and dark brown sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat until bubbly. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are well coated with the mixture.
5
Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until heated through and the topping is golden brown.
7
Serve hot, and enjoy this delightful dish that pairs beautifully with any main course!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in the Sweet Potato Peach Casserole?
The main ingredients include 3 lbs of cooked mashed sweet potatoes, a 15-ounce can of peach slices, butter, peach schnapps or nectar, orange juice, orange zest, dark brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, and pecans for the topping.
How many sweet potatoes are required for this recipe?
You will need approximately 3 lbs of sweet potatoes, which is equivalent to about 5-6 medium-sized sweet potatoes.
What can I substitute for peach schnapps?
You can use peach nectar as a non-alcoholic substitution for the peach schnapps.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 9-inch casserole dish that holds approximately 2.5 quarts is recommended for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the peach slices for the filling?
The peach slices should be drained from the can and finely chopped before being mixed into the sweet potato base.
What are the ingredients for the crunchy topping?
The crunchy topping is made from 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, and 1 cup of coarsely chopped pecans.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should be baked in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of margarine as a substitute for butter in the sweet potato mixture.
How much orange juice is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and freshly squeezed is preferred.
Is orange zest included in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest for extra flavor.
What kind of sugar is used for the pecan topping?
Dark brown sugar is used for the topping to provide a rich, caramelized flavor.
Should the pecans for the topping be chopped?
Yes, the pecans should be coarsely chopped to ensure a good texture for the crunchy topping.
How much cinnamon is used in the sweet potato mixture?
The mixture requires 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Is the casserole served hot or cold?
The casserole should be served hot to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Can I use peach nectar if I don't have schnapps?
Yes, peach nectar is the recommended alternative for peach schnapps.
How much vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
Should I grease the casserole dish?
Yes, grease the dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray before adding the mixture.
What is the expected texture of the casserole?
The casserole features a creamy mash of sweet potatoes and peaches contrasted with a crunchy pecan layer.
Is dark brown sugar used in the sweet potato filling?
Yes, the filling uses 1/3 cup of packed dark brown sugar.
How do I combine the topping ingredients?
Melt the butter and dark brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbly, then stir in the pecans.
Can I use toasted pecans for the topping?
Yes, the recipe notes that using toasted pecans can provide extra flavor.
What makes this dish suitable for special occasions?
Its unique blend of sweet potatoes and peaches with a decadent pecan topping makes it a standout holiday side dish.
How many pounds of sweet potatoes do I need?
You need 3 lbs of cooked and mashed sweet potatoes.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or you can add it to taste.
How do I know the dish is ready to be taken out of the oven?
It is ready when it is heated through and the pecan topping is golden brown.
What is the role of the orange juice in this dish?
The orange juice adds a subtle citrus fruitiness that complements the peaches and sweet potatoes.
Is fresh orange juice better than bottled?
The recipe notes that freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred for the best flavor profile.
How do I spread the mixture into the casserole dish?
Once mixed, transfer the sweet potato-peach mixture to the dish and spread it out evenly.
Is this a sweet or savory side dish?
It is a decadent side dish that harmoniously blends sweet and savory elements, making it a versatile addition to a meal.